Deadlocked Kyle Jury Ordered to Continue Efforts

Jurors deliberating the fate of accused murderer Ricky Kyle told a judge today that they were hopelessly deadlocked, but they were ordered to resume their deliberations after three jurors asked for more time.

In a confusing turn of events, jury foreman Marshall Lai first told Superior Court Judge Robert R. Devich that after 16 days of deliberations the jury could not reach a decision on whether Kyle should be convicted of first degree murder.

The 22-year-old defendant is accused of shooting his millionaire father, Henry Harrison Kyle, in an effort to gain his inheritance.

But after a break--during which Devich discussed with prosecutors and defense attorneys the possibility of declaring a mistrial--Lai said some jurors had changed their minds. Devich ordered them to return to the jury room.